With the frigid cold temperatures and high winds we’re experiencing, a disabled or stranded vehicle could make for a life or death situation for the driver and passengers. Following the few tips listed below could save your life:

• Before leaving check the weather forecast and let someone know your route of travel.

• Always keep your gas tank full when driving in cold weather.

• Carry a winter survival kit in your car which is to include: blankets, extra warm clothes, flashlight, extra batteries, brightly colored cloth, sand or a bag of cat litter, shovel, candles and matches, non perishable high calorie foods, (nuts, raisins, and protein or energy bars), newspapers (for insulation), a first aid kit and jumper cables.

• Do not leave your car if stranded, it is your best protection. Don’t panic, as an idling car only uses an average of one gallon of gas per hour.

• Roll down a window a very small amount for fresh air.

• Make sure the car’s exhaust pipe is not blocked to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

• At night, leave your dome light on.

• Always have your cell phone and a charger so you can call and let us know where you’re located.

These simple tips and items placed in your car could save your or a family member’s. Motorists are also reminded that with the frigid temperatures, gusting winds and blowing snow also comes the possibility of intersections, bridge decks and overpasses icing over.

The following Social Security offices in Indiana will be closed on Wednesday, January 30 due to inclement weather.   Please consider visiting us online at www.ssa.gov .

• Columbus
• Madison
• New Albany
• Richmond
• South Bend
• Fort Wayne
• Gary
• Elkhart
• Hammond
• Michigan City
• Valparaiso
• Auburn
• Merrillville
• Anderson
• Bloomington
• Crawfordsville
• Indianapolis Downtown
• Indianapolis Northeast
• Indianapolis Northwest
• Kokomo
• Lafayette
• Litchfield
• Marion
• Muncie
• Terre Haute

Two drug dealers are off the streets in Salem and a husband and wife are in jail. 

Indiana State Police arrested Jamie and Jeremiah Underwood of Locust Street, Salem early this morning on drug charges. 

The pair were charged with possession and dealing Meth and Cocaine as well as these charges:

Jamie Underwood, 33, Salem

• Possession of Meth
• Dealing in Meth
• Possession of Cocaine or Narcotic Drug
• Dealing in Cocaine or Narcotic Drug
• Possession of a Syringe
• Maintaining a Common Nuisance
• Possession of Marijuana, Hash Oil, Hashish or Salvia
• Possession of Paraphernalia with prior unrelated judgement or conviction for possessing paraphernalia

Jeremiah Scott Underwood, 32, Salem

• Possession of Meth
• Dealing in Meth
• Possession of Cocaine or Narcotic Drug
• Dealing in Cocaine or Narcotic Drug
• Possession of a Syringe
• Maintaining a Common Nuisance
• Possession of Marijuana, Hash Oil, Hashish or Salvia
• Possession of Paraphernalia
• Writ of Body Attachment

ISP Trooper Kyle Taylor received information from a prior investigation and received a search warrant for the Underwood’s house. 

He recovered approximately 1/2 gram of Meth, 1/2 gram of Heroin, scales and syringes as a result of the search. 

The two were booked into the Washington County Detention Center. 

Jamie Underwood is being held on a $27,000 full cash bond. Jeremiah Underwood is being held on a $10,000 and a $27,000 full cash bond. 

WSLM will provide additional information as soon as it’s available. 

Under the Law, criminal charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Yesterday evening just before 6 pm, Indiana State Police Trooper Chris Griggs and Sgt. Greg Day were patrolling in Lawrence County. While doing so, they observed a white, 2002 Chrysler Town and Country mini-van traveling eastbound on 5^th Street in Bedford with a license plate that was expired and did not belong on the van. Troopers attempted to conduct a traffic stop, but the male driver of the van accelerated and a pursuit ensued.

A male passenger was observed in the van as well.

The van headed eastbound on State Road 58 at a high rate of speed and passed multiple vehicles in dangerous locations, gaining a large amount of distance on the pursuing officers. The van continued east on SR 58, north on Shawswick Station Road, ultimately turning east on Todd Lane.  Troopers discontinued the pursuit and lost sight of the van. A short time later, a concerned citizen called the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department reporting the van was parked in a wooded area off of Todd Lane.

Troopers, along with Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department Officers, Indiana Conservation Officer Ryan Jahn and the Indiana State Police Aviation Section (helicopter) converged on the area.  The two suspects had fled the van on foot and a manhunt was conducted of the area.  The suspects were not immediately located however evidence was recovered from the van, leading Trooper Griggs to be able to positively identify the driver. 

In addition, drug paraphernalia was located during the search of the van.

Trooper Griggs and Sgt. Day, with assistance from the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department and troopers from the Versailles District, traveled to the suspect’s residence near Norman, Indiana.  The suspect was located and arrested. 

The passenger of the vehicle is still unknown.

The arrested driver was identified as Rickie J. Cockerham Jr. 41, of Norman. He was incarcerated in the Lawrence County Jail for the following offenses:

1. Habitual Traffic Violator for Life, Level 5 Felony
2. Resisting Law Enforcement in Vehicle, Level 6 Felony
3. Resisting Law Enforcement on Foot, A Misdemeanor
4. Criminal Recklessness with a Vehicle, B Misdemeanor
5. Reckless Driving, C Misdemeanor
6. Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, C Misdemeanor

Under the Law, criminal charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

On January 25^th, the Indiana State Police Bloomington District A.C.E.S. and the ISP Drug Enforcement Section conducted three investigations that led to two (2) Lawrence County residents being arrested for dealing methamphetamine. They seized over 3 ounces of methamphetamine throughout the course of the day. 

ISP was assisted by the Mitchell Police Department.

Around 2:00 pm, Trp. Caleb Garvin conducted a traffic stop on 39^th Street, near Washington Avenue, for a traffic infraction.

He observed indicators of criminal activity and requested a canine. 

Trp. Richard Klun deployed his canine, Loki, who gave a positive alert on the vehicle. A subsequent search revealed the driver, Kayla N. Perry (26) of Bedford was in possession of 29 grams of methamphetamine.

She was arrested for dealing methamphetamine (Level 2 Felony) and possession of methamphetamine (Level 3 Felony). 

Perry was incarcerated in the Lawrence County Jail.

Around 3:30 pm, ISP DES Detectives, Sgt. Greg Day, Troopers Chris Griggs and Chance Humphrey executed a search warrant at a residence on Stevens Street in Mitchell after a lengthy investigation into possible methamphetamine dealing.

The suspect was not home at the time, but evidence of drug dealing was recovered. Charges are expected to be sought on the suspect for dealing and possession of methamphetamine. 

Mitchell PD Officer Ryan Duckett assisted ISP with this investigation.

At approximately 4:00 pm, Trooper Matt Hatchett conducted a traffic stop along SR 450, near SR 158, on a red HR Hummer for a traffic violation. He immediately detected indicators of criminal activity.

Trp. Klun again deployed his canine, Loki, who gave a positive alert on the vehicle.

Joseph D. Neal (43) of Springville was found to be in possession of 57 grams of methamphetamine. He was arrested for dealing methamphetamine (Level 2 Felony) and possession of methamphetamine (Level 3 Felony). 

Neal was incarcerated at the Lawrence County Jail.

Anyone with information regarding illegal drug activity is encouraged to contact the Indiana State Police Bloomington Post at 812-332-4411. Your tip can remain anonymous. 

Under the Law, criminal charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.